Virologists investigating transmission of the fluvirus found that it is more likely to spread at colder temperatures. The dry, cold conditions pull moisture out of droplets released by coughs and sneezes, which allows the virus to linger in the air. Additionally, cold, low humidity air dries out the nasal passages and makes virus transmission more likely. This contradicts the long-held view that the flu spreads because the immune system is less active during the winter.

When Mom or Grandma tells you to bundle up in winter, you might catch a cold or flu, she may be right. New scientific experiments have now proven what we all just assumed, that flu is more common in winter.

If you have had the flu, you know how awful it feels. “Incredible body pain, muscle aches, sore joints, difficulty walking,” said Samira Mubaraka, who has had the flu twice.

We all know influenza is more common in winter. But researchers have not known why. Virologist doctor Peter Palese has been studying the effects of heat and cold on the flu virus. He found that at higher temperatures, the flu virus didn’t spread, but at colder temperature it did.